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Gemstone beads are treasured by many. The power and symbolism of color is central to the cultures of many indigenous tribes in Africa. From the speckled whites and grays of Bauxite Beads which mark the acceptance of a newborn into Krobo society, to the deep reddish brown of Carnelian which symbolizes vitality and fertility, it's no wonder that certain stones are considered invaluable among some tribal cultures. But, African Gemstone Beads aren't just prized for their aesthetic beauty and rarity. Tribes such as the Yoruba also place great value upon certain types of gemstones owing to their former use as early currency. Through early trade routes, there was considerable influx of natural Gemstone Beads such as agate, carnelian and turquoise; stones which were often traded with Yoruban and Bedouin chiefs in exchange for furs, art and slaves.
Unsurprisingly, the collectible value of African Gemstone Beads inspired many artisans to produce counterfeit copies from other less precious materials - the Ancient Egyptians being a great example. After exhausting many of their own turquoise mines, they looked to another material with similar properties: jasper. The vast majority of African Turquoise Beads sold today are produced from this mineral. Bauxite, favored for its reddish-brown marbled appearance, was also used throughout the trade era to produce faux Carnelian Beads, and remains a popular element among native jewelry crafters today.
Check out this amazing strand of stone beads made of authentic turquoise. This brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your j...
View full detailsThese African carnelian beads are some of the more common gemstone beads used in West Africa. Pay close attention and you will see their rich brown...
View full detailsThese Golden Lava Snake Beads are stylish and unique! These natural beads are made using dried lava. They are then electroplated to take on this be...
View full detailsCheck out this amazing strand of stone beads made of authentic turquoise. The brilliant and unique color will add an unmistakable accent to your je...
View full detailsCheck out these amazing Green Turquoise Stone Beads. The vibrant tones and colors of these Turquoise beads will help make your custom jewelry desig...
View full detailsThese natural beads are made using dried lava, formed from molten rock originating from a volcano eruption. They come in a variety of shapes and si...
View full detailsAventurine is a form of natural quartz stone, characterized by its translucence and the presence of platy mineral inclusions that give a shimmering...
View full detailsThese off-white natural stone beads are versatile as they are fun. Look carefully and you will see that many beads have a patterned surface that so...
View full detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful turquoise beads brought to you from the mountainous wilds of Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Centra...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful zebra serpentine beads brought to you from Afghanistan. The mineral rich landscape of Central Asia has been a ...
View full detailsThese natural gemstone beads are made from the metamorphic rock known as Tiger's eye. Tiger's eye is known for its golden color and silky luster. S...
View full detailsCalcite is often known as the stone of emotional intelligence. It is naturally found in deposits from hot springs, caverns, and volcanic-derived ro...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these playful stone beads. Coming in an earthy red tone these carved skull beads can be designed with in a subtle or eye-catc...
View full detailsCalcite is often known as the stone of emotional intelligence. It is naturally found in deposits from hot springs, caverns, and volcanic-derived ro...
View full detailsAdmire the dark hue of these genuine Black Onyx Beads. Like the darkness of night, these beads can add an element of mystery to your creative desig...
View full detailsTake a look at these stunning Malachite stone Beads. Malachite is known all around the world due to its deep green color and intricate patterns. Ma...
View full detailsThese natural gemstone beads are made from the metamorphic rock known as Tiger's eye. Tiger's eye is known for its golden color and silky luster. S...
View full detailsCalcite is often known as the stone of emotional intelligence. It is naturally found in deposits from hot springs, caverns, and volcanic-derived ro...
View full detailsAdmire the dark hue of these genuine Black Onyx Beads. Like the darkness of night, these beads can add an element of mystery to your creative desig...
View full detailsBrucite is a mineral that crystallizes and is often found in regions near Afghanistan and Pakistan. These beautiful rough brucite beads maintain th...
View full detailsIndulge your eyes in these beautiful lapis lazuli beads. The mineral rich landscape of Asia has been a source of treasured stones for at least thre...
View full detailsTake a look at this stunning strand of Natural Hubei Turquoise beads! Hubei Turquoise is mined from the Zhushan region of China. Known for its dens...
View full detailsTake a look at these hand-patterned Tibetan agate beads. The special character of this stone bead is apparent by the unique translucence of the bea...
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